Yes, the opening two matches against the USA and the Springboks could have gone a lot better and yes, a lot of work needs doing on the training ground to put right those areas of concern. But the truth is there is still a lot to play for and England simply can not afford to let the disappointment of Friday night get to them ahead of two vital matches.

Many considered Samoa to be England's greatest rivals for that second qualifying place, but as we saw in an end-to-end battle in Marseille on Sunday, Tonga are equally as capable of springing a surprise and they too now have to be beaten. Samoa are up first in Nantes on Saturday before England take on the Tongans in Paris six days later.

Despite not finding their best form so far in this World Cup, England are still hot favourites to beat both of these sides and I expect them to do so well. The loss of Jamie Noon is undoubtedly another blow for Brian, but it's encouraging to see that Jason Robinson's hamstring strain is not as bad as first thought.

Throw into the equation the likes of Jonny Wilkinson and Olly Barkley, who are both back for the Samoa game after their respective injuries, then that must do wonders for confidence in the first of England's must-win games.

Meanwhile, it was a highly satisfactory weekend for us at Harlequins after we got the new Guinness Premiership season off to a flying start with a bonus point win over London Irish in the double header at Twickenham.

It was this third time lucky against the Exiles at Twickenham in a game that I thought we thoroughly deserved to win. We dominated the first half and maybe edged a give-and-take second period. After such a slow start to the campaign last year and having to play catch-up for much of the season, it was nice to get our season off to a win.

Chris Malone was excellent on his debut and looks a really good signing. He joined us from Bath in the summer and opened his account with 15 points from the boot and set-up our two second half tries for Tom Williams and Hal Luscombe.

It's a funny time for clubs at the moment with so many players away on World Cup duty, but spirit and confidence in the camp is high. If we are to lose matches then it's generally because we shoot ourselves in the foot rather than other sides beating us; it's a good place to be right now.

This Saturday we return to the Stoop in front of the Sky cameras against Premiership newcomers Leeds Carnegie, kick-off 5.00pm. They will be looking to impress a few people with a strong performance in front of the cameras and they will be a tough prospect.

Copy courtesy of City AM.